In the central Alabama region, how does Alabaster compare
in size to other communities? Henry asked.

"We are the fourth largest city in our metro area," he
told the group at the municipal annex building, noting Alabaster falls behind
Birmingham, Hoover and Vestavia in population. "Alabaster is the fourth only by
250 people to Vestavia."

The point of the trivia is that Alabaster offers a
sizeable market for businesses to thrive, he said.

"What we are trying to come
up with is a way to encourage that growth," he said, noting that shoppers from
an area spanning Pelham through Chilton County to the south come to the area.

Alabaster Mayor Marty Handlon, state Sen. Cam Ward, who
is executive director of the Alabaster Industrial Development Board, and others
addressed the attendees about the city's goals and efforts directed at business
growth.

"This is the first of many meetings, and these meetings have
purpose: open communication so we can help our stakeholders," Handlon said.